RealGM Analysis

QB: Joe Flacco – Joe Flacco wasted no time in ripping the Oakland Raiders’ defense to shreds, putting up 341 passing yards and 3 TDs (along with 1 INT) in roughly three quarters worth of work. Flacco has had a schizophrenic season so far – world beater numbers at home, and JV numbers on the road. So, until we see otherwise, start him when he’s at home (unless you have an elite QB ahead of him), and look for other options when he’s on the road.

RB: Adrian Peterson – “All Day” had his way with the Lions defense on Sunday. More performances like this (171 rushing yards and a TD), and we’re going to run out of adjectives to throw at him. As stated the last time his name was posted here, and as will surely be mentioned the next time he ends up here, if you’ve got him, pat yourself on the back and enjoy “All Day” every week.

WR: Calvin Johnson – The top WR drafted in most leagues, Megatron has largely disappointed his owners. But similarly to Matt Stafford, signs of a breakout are appearing. Megatron had 12 catches for 207 yards and a TD – numbers that we’re more accustomed to seeing from someone with his HOF level skills. The hope here is that Johnson continues to hit his stride and puts up monster numbers going forward.

TE: Jimmy Graham – Graham was surely a top-two TE on draft day in virtually every league. While his name hasn’t ended up here as often as Gronkowski, Graham has every bit the talent as Gronk, and he rewarded his owners with 7 catches for 146 yards and 2 TDs on Sunday against the Falcons. The Saints are on a roll, and no reason to expect anything less than a stellar performance for the remainder of the season.

Unforeseen Explosions

QB: Andy Dalton – Dalton, struggling mightily the past month, shocks the fantasy world with 4 TD passes (with 199 yards passing) against the Giants. Whether the sophomore slump is over remains to be seen, but with AJ Green, Jermaine Gresham and others as pass catchers, Dalton has some tools at his disposal. Despite the terrific performance on Sunday, Dalton should not be viewed as anything more than a solid QB2. Start him in deep leagues, 2 QB leagues or if your starting QB is on his bye week.

RB: Fred Jackson – Fred Jax got hurt early in the year, then CJ Spiller went off, and Jackson was a forgotten man. Then with Spiller’s injury, Jackson healed and got his role of lead-committee-runner back. Those of you who stuck with Jackson are now being rewarded for your patience. Jackson had a great, diverse line against the Pats on Sunday: 16 carries for 80 yards and 2 TDs, along with 4 catches for 35 yards. Jackson is underrated; a poor man’s Ray Rice, you might say. The beauty of players in the Rice/Jackson mold is that they will rarely leave you high and dry; even without any TDs, you’ll get a handful of points between the rushing game and receiving game.

WR: Danario Alexander – Did Philip Rivers finally find a new target that he likes in San Diego? Not ready to go that far, but Alexander busted out with 5 catches for 134 yards and a TD against the Bucs on Sunday. Considering that Alexander’s game on Sunday shattered his stat totals from year-to-date, we need to take a wait and see approach with Alexander. So, keep him on your radar, and feel free to make a speculative add, but don’t go overboard with your expectations just yet.

TE: Greg Olsen – Olsen was having a decent season up until Sunday, when he caught 9 balls for 102 yards and a TD. Olsen has always had the talent, and has put up solid seasons in the past. He has never been able to dominate, however, as many had hoped. So how to value Olsen for the remainder of the season? He’s a strong TE2, but a passable starter. The Carolina offense has its issues, and relying on Cam Newton to feed the tight end is mighty risky.